Ch 14

AN: This is where it starts getting interesting.

Lulu was leaning on Wakkas shoulder Sir Aurons boat was supposed to be here in 10 minutes. She wondered how Auron was. Lulu and Auron got along well and would often have talks that lasted for hours, not longer than her and Wakkas talks but just as meaningful she was looking forward to see him. She took in the sent of the sea air and looked up at Wakka. The scar from the blitzball was now barely visible and Wakkas stubble did a good job of covering it. Without noticing what she was doing Lulu lifted her right hand and caressed the side of his face. The prickly feeling made Lulu smile ever so slightly. Wakka tightened his grip around her waist and brought her in even closer, He felt at peace and comfortable. Lulus cool hand on his face made him smile brightly. Wakka turned his head from the ocean to Lulu. The sun hit her face at a perfect angle and her lips looked so inviting.Wakka turned his head towards the waters. Never in his life had he felt like this, never in his life had he expected her to feel the same. It was all too good to be true. He would wake up tomorrow and everything would be just the same as it always had. Moments later Rikku spotted Aurons boat. Everyone turned to Rikku. When Auron stepped off the boat he smiled. Not that anyone could see it, but it was there. Wakka and Lulu separated and Yuna ran into his arms.

'Lady Yuna, you have grown' Yuna smiled and Aroun looked at Lulu.

'Lulu…..still just as I remembered beautiful in all respects.

'Hello Auron' Lulu said

'Rikku….you have grown as well' He looked the small Al Bhed up and down.

'You know it!' Aroun gave him a hug then Walked over to Tidus and Wakka

'I presume you are taking good care of them'

'You betcha' Tidus said enthusiastically. Auron nodded then turned to the ladies once again.

'Now whats this I hear about a wedding?'

'We will tell you all about it over dinner' Rikku chimed

'ah yes, libations' Auron said as he was led away by Rikku. The rest exchanged looks and laughed then followed them to…yes you guessed it Kurbys!

The group got a large booth in the corner of the restaurant.

Lulu and Wakka spotted Leo and requested a table in his area. He seemed more relaxed then when they last seen him.

'So what's good here?' Auron asked. He seemed a lot more laid back than when they were on the pilgrimage. The eternal calm seemed to have that effect on everyone.

'dno dra Cymsuh edc tameleuic ' [try the Salmon its delicious Rikku smiled she knew Auron had a thing for Al Bheds and their language. She learned this when he found Rikku and brother talking about how easy it was to learn Al Bhed.. None of them knew Auron could speak it, let alone stand it until then

'So mycd kenmvneaht fyc Ym Prat, drydc ruf e maynhat' [My last girlfriend was Al Bhed, thats how I learned

'oui ghuf, e drehg e sekrd' [you know, I think I might Lulu nearly chocked on her water. She turned to Yuna who had the same facial expression. Where they flirting? Wakka and Tidus sat there confused more than ever because they didn't know the language but judging by Yuna and Lulus expression they knew something just happened. Wakka looked at Lulu for some kind of clue but she turned away before she even noticed his questioning glance. Leo came to the table and smiled at Wakka and Lulu , having remembered them from the other day.

'Hello my names Leo and I will be your waiter for this evening, are you guys ready to order?'

'I think we have an idea' Yuna said then started ordering. 'Ill have the Cesar grilled steak salad.' She looked at Tidus.

'how about a baked potatoe Tye?'

'Anything but chochobo meat' Tidus smiled at Yuna and Yuna ordered the potatoes. Then she looked to Wakka and Lulu.

'Ill have the feta cheese pizza, and fries' Wakka leaned back, satisfied with his order. 'Lu?'

'Ill have New Luca strip steak…no mushroom sauce please' Wakka raised an eyebrow at Lulu ' I didn't eat all day Wakka' she said with her usual matter of fact Lulu voice.

'I will have the Portabella shrimp bowl with no garlic and a teensy-weenie splash of nutmeg...if that's possible….please'

'That's one heck of a dish, spicy yet sweet' Leo said writing it down then looking back up at Rikku.

'Like me'

'oh?' he smiled

'yea' Lulu and Yuna exchanged another look then all eyes fell on Aurons response. He sat in his chair passively awaiting his turn. No one could tell for sure. Lulu leaned over while Auron began to order.

'A bit more sociable tonight' her tone was hushed for only Wakka could hear. No one noticed them whispering to one another. Everyone was watching the show.

'mhm , maybe he's a night owl ya' Lulu nodded and then tuned back in on what was going on.

'yes ill have the Salmon, I hear its delicious'

'ok sir, ill be back with your orders as soon as they are ready' he smiled pleasantly and then walked off and just like that Rikku was all about Auron. The food came shortly after they ordered and everyone was enjoying each others conversation. They talked about the wedding and plans and Yuna asked Auron if he could walk her down the isle. He was shocked yet excited and he agreeded.

'Now about the Ball' Lulu spoke out while cutting a peace of her steak. 'We must leave early tomorrow morning' she placed the steak on Wakkas plate and began cutting another. 'Auron you will sleep at Tiduses hut, then everyone should meet by the docks' Yuna nodded

'yes we must get there early'

'two days early' Rikku said

'Yes Yuna has a lot to get done and we'll beat everyone to the hotels' Lulu gave the other peace to Rikku. Wakka smiled she would make an amazing mom.

'Saves time for a little fun' Tidus said while adding more cheese to his baked potatoes.

'oh yea Yunie we defiantly have to hit up the party scene' Yuna laughed

'Cant forget that huh Rikku?'

'nope' Rikku smiled and turned to Auron who was talking to Wakka about something. He stopped, and then looked at Rikku intently.

Wakka laid back and started playing with Lulus hair again. She didn't seem to mind. She was in her food induced coma like state. Auron noticed this and turned to Yuna who only shrugged innocently.

'So Lulu how have you been?' Auron asked

'I have been well'

'that is good , I never did like seeing you unwell' Wakka stopped flicking a bead and sat up suddenly remembering what Rikku said about asking her to the ball. Lulu took note of his action and turned to face him 'What?'

'oh nothing ya just ummma a little sleepy' Lulu nodded slowly liar she thought. If anyone knew Wakka at this table it was her , she let it slide she was actually a bit tired. Everyone looked a bit tired.

'Auron your trip must have been long'

'yes it was'

'We should all gain our strength for tomorrow, we do have to get up early' Lulu turned to Rikku who was holding Keyah in her lap. 'how about we move practice to when we get setteled into the hotel. Rikku nodded quickly , there was no way she was getting up tomorrow extra early for practice.

'Practice?' Auron asked

'yea Lulu has finally decided to start my training in black magic'

'and how is that going?'

'she still have a lot to learn' Lulu said while pushing her plate to the middle of the table for cleanup. 'but I think she can do it, Rikku is a good student'

'aawww shucks Lulu' Everyone laughed and began to get ready to leave. Tidus and Auron would walk Rikku and Yuna home then head home themselves, and Wakka would walk Lulu home since their huts were a little ways off.

'C'mon Lu' Wakka ushered as they walked off in the different direction of the others.

'Whats going on with them two?' Auron asked feeling out of the loop. Rikku turned to Yuna nd they both giggled.

'Something that should have happened a long time ago' Yuna said. Auron looked confused but he to will soon see what Yuna was talking about, first hand.

Lulu looked behind her shoulder to see Auron leave.

'It's been a while huh Lu' there paced slowed down.

'yes it has' Lulu remembered the past three years, so much has changed.

'I wonder why he left so soon thought Lu' Lulus stomached turned she knew why. Wakka noticed how Lulus body language changed

'I don't know why Wakka but he did leave and now he's back'

'He looks different too' Lulu nodded She did noticed something different about him. Wakka noticed something different about her too; he brushed it away like he did with most problems that required full attention to details. Lulu looked up at Wakka he looked the same the day on the boat she eased his thoughts by slipping her hand in his. She knew that she would have to tell him…something….anything. They made it to Lulus house and Wakka just looked at her.

'Big day tomorrow huh Lu?'

'yes should be exciting'

'Lu are you going to be ok'

'I am' her glance was questioning

'Goodnight then' He kissed her on the cheek and headed towards his hut leaveing Lulu bewildered how dose he know what im feeling…your slipping Lulu get it together. She went into her bed and tossed and turned all night.

They all met the next morning at the docks and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. They arrived in Luca a little after noon. They reached a luxurous hotel where the Ball would be held and checked in. They got a suit style with a common living area bathroom and kitchen. There were 4 rooms. One for Yuna and Tidus, one for Rikku , one for Wakka and one for Lulu. Lulu was in her room unpacking when Wakka stood near the door and knocked its frame.

'Hey Lu Auron Tidus Rikku and I are going to look around wanna come?'

'no thank you Wakka' spending time with just Yuna would be good for both of them. She looked up from what she was doing and saw Wakka holding a single flower. A black rose.

'For you' he said simply while handing the flower to Lulu.

'and to what do I owe this' she held up the flower slightly' pleasant surprise. Wakka walked in and took Lulus hand and brought her to sit down with him on the bed. 'Lulu…..i really don't know how to ask this but will you make me the envy of every man by accompanying me to the High Summoner Ball?' Lulu smiled that was defiantly unexpected.

'Yes' Wakka beamed and hugged her. Lulu looked at the black rose as she received the hug. Wakka quickly got up and ran out of the room then shortly returned with a full bouquet of roses.

'These would have been yours even if you said no'

'but I said yes'

'and that's why you get this' Wakka pulled out a small card Lulu flipped it open It was a picture of Lulu and Wakka standing on either side of a sitting Yuna. All three of them were smiling.

'look at the back' On the back were the words Our happy family Lulu smiled brightly and looked at Wakka

'I ment to give it to you that day ya but that's when Yuna told us she wanted to become a summoner , I promised I would give it to you when all this was over' Lulu got up and hugged him tight

'Thank you'

'Its ok ya, so are you coming?'

'mmm, no'

'okay then…see you soon' and with that Wakka was out of the door. Moments later Rikku ran in followed by Yuna

'Soooo?' Rikku asked. Lulu laughed

'Yes Rikku he asked me'

'What did you say?'

'She said yes, she loves him remember' Yuna stated looking directly at Lulu.

'Ok ok Out I still have to unpack this stuff 'Lulu smiled as the two ran of giggling and whispering to one another. She looked down at the picture again. Then the roses. She replayed what Yuna said over and over again in her head She loves him remember

AN: sooo what do you think ??????? ok so yea the next chapter is going to be wwaaaaayyyy longer than this I promise.

KathleenDee